In January, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded the country's highest number of new HIV cases in a month since 1984. The number was five percent higher compared to January 2016, the DOH said, and even topped the 841 cases recorded in June 2016. The 844 total number of HIV cases also meant that on average, 27 individuals test positive for HIV every day.

Of the newly-diagnosed HIV cases, 38 are women and nine are currently pregnant. Seven of the HIV-positive pregnant women came from the National Capital Region, one from Region 1, and another from Region 7. Most of the cases were transmitted sexually; however, two were found to be caused by mother-to-child HIV transmission. Out of the 844 cases recorded in January, 90 have developed into full-blown AIDS, based on the latest HIV/AIDS Registry of the Philippines. Thirty-three deaths due to HIV/AIDS were also reported in the same month. (inquirer.net)

WATCH: Danica and Marc Pingris's 10th anniversary wedding video

The couple recently renewed their wedding vows in an intimate ceremony in Tagaytay surrounded by family and close friends. In a video shared by Mayad Studios, Danica and Marc look back at a decade of being married, having two kids, and building a family. Marc described their ten years together as "masaya na mahirap" because of the many things they've been through together. "Pero 'yung pagmamahal ko sa kaniya, nadadagdagan lang 'yan. Hindi nababawasan...," he said. He also promised to Danica that he'll be a good father to their kids, Mic and Caela. Danica's message to Marc: "I know it's just been 10 years and we have a long way to go, but I'm so grateful na dumating ka sa life ko. Lagi kong sinasabi na I know that God really gave you to me -- para sa akin ka talaga." (gmanetwork.com)

A 14-year-old high school student from Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City has invented a device that could harvest energy from walking. Grade 10 student Modesto Remo, Jr. says that this idea, which came to him two years ago, could generate six watts of power from just seven minutes of walking. "Habang naglalakad tayo, 'yung energy is nawi-waste... What if ‘yungnawi-waste natin na energy ng katawan ay gamitin natin," he said. Along with his coach Emmilyn Sepulvida, Remo developed the device in just four months. It is Bluetooth-capable, which allows it to send information to a smart phone and has a version that persons with disabilities could use. His invention was among the top three chosen at the National Science and Technology Fair held in Tagaytay City in February. As one of the three winners in the robotics and intelligent machines category, Remo is now part of the team that has qualified for the Robotics Games Google Olympiad to be held in Japan. (abs-cbn.com)

HOR okays anti-hospital deposit bill in second readingThe House of Representative (HOR) passed House Bill No. 5159, or the Anti-Hospital Deposit Bill, which seeks to impose stiffer penalties upon hospitals who refuse to provide basic emergency services to patients who cannot make advanced payments. One of the co-authors of the bill, Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin, said the bill aims to ensure that all private and public hospitals would admit patients in emergency situations -- including women in active labor and at risk of miscarriage -- without requiring a deposit fee. "We want to save more lives. Buhay ang nakasalalay dito. Ang pera, kayang tawaran. Ang buhay, hindi," Villarin said.

If passed into law, hospital owners can face from four to six years of imprisonment, and/or fines ranging from P500,000 to P1,000,000, aside from damages that may be awarded to the patient-complainant. The current law, Republic Act No. 8344, only imposes penalties of imprisonment from six months to two years and four months and/or paying fines amounting to P20,000 and P100,000. A similar bill is proposed in the Senate. (mb.com.ph)